A shocking photo which shows a goat being attacked by a gang of youths trespassing at an animal sanctuary in Brentwood has been released.

The owners of Hopefield Animal Sanctuary have taken to Facebook to tell their supporters how they have suffered due to a number of crimes in recent months including trespassing, theft and animal cruelty.

On the evening of July 31, three thugs crept into the sanctuary and took videos of themselves pulling one of the goats, named Nathan, by his horns before pushing him onto an electric fence.

They then proceeded to shove one of the pigs and scared a number of horses - with CCTV showing the creatures fleeing from their toremtors.

The cruel trio continued to wander round the sanctuary for more than an hour before finally leaving the scared animals in peace.

"They came over the school playing fields," said Dave Schlaich, director of Hopefield Animal Sanctuary.

"We were made aware of a Snapchat video going around."

But despite calling in the police, the sanctuary claimed officers were unable to do anything owing to it being a "civil matter".

A month later, the sanctuary suffered a further act of trespass where yobs climbed over the gate by standing on a bin and went round the sanctuary.

"We couldn't tell what had happened because of the blind spots of the cameras," said Mr Schlaich, 36.

Leona Lewis is a supporter of the sanctuary (Image: Hopefield Animal Sanctuary)

"They seemed to know where the cameras were."

But as if these two mindless acts weren't bad enough, this week saw the tearoom broken into, vandalised and ransacked, resulting in its closure.

Mr Schlaich, from Hatfield Peveral, said: "They came across the playing fields and over the fence.

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The actions of the thieves, who did not even bother to take any money, led to the tearoom being closed for two days while staff and volunteers cleaned up and the police conducted a forensic examination of the scene.

Yesterday (Saturday, October 8), a spokesman for the sanctuary shared a heart-wrenching Facebook post appealing for information and donations to help the organisation get back on track.

"We are heartbroken that such cruel people exist and are here within our community," the representative wrote.

"Our animals at Hopefield have been through so much already and are rescued from neglect and abuse cases, to come here where they should feel safe and loved and to then endure more cruelty at the hands of these truly awful people is unthinkable.

"We are asking our community for help in this official public appeal for information.

"At times as vulnerable as this in the world we need to look after each other and come together more than ever to protect our fellow beings from evil".

The sanctuary owners are pleading for anyone with information to get in touch, assuring that any tip-offs will be kept confidential.

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They are also hopeful that local security stores may be able to donate equipment to help protect the animals from further harm and are planning to set up a fundraising page.

"I'm shocked by what they've done and I don't know what's gone through these people's minds," said Mr Schlaich.

"We won't stop investigating until the animals are all safe."

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said: "We are conducting an investigation following a burglary which took place between 10.30pm on Thursday, October 5, and Friday, October 6 at Hopefield Animal Sanctuary.

"A number of items were stolen and a messy search conducted of the sanctuary’s tearooms.

"We are keeping the victim up to speed with the investigation’s progress, and the various lines of enquiry being pursued. As part of this, we will be reviewing CCTV footage of the night of the burglary.

"Our enquiries continue, as does an investigation into acts of cruelty against animals at the centre, which is being led by the RSPCA.

"We appeal for anyone who may have information which could aid the investigation, to make contact with Pc Rob Anderson at Grays and Brentwood Local Policing Team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 111 555."